YueStudio

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses

My new toy:

I recently came across a deal on a refurbished pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses for just $200, and I couldn't resist giving them a try. They look like the real deal to me, and I believe I got a great bargain.

While these glasses are slightly heavier than regular Ray-Bans, they're still quite comfortable to wear. The case adds some extra weight too, as it includes a built-in battery for recharging the glasses. Overall, the build quality is excellent, and everything feels solid and well-made.

To set up the glasses, you'll need to use the Meta app and a Meta account. I ran into a bit of trouble at first, but after a few tries, I finally got them paired. Once they're set up, using them is a breeze.

The Meta app also prompts you to connect to Apple Music or other audio apps, but it's not really necessary. You can simply use the glasses as regular Bluetooth headphones. I've had no issues using them to listen to podcasts.

One bug I noticed is that if you're using another Bluetooth headphone, taking off the glasses stops the audio on that device as well, not just on the glasses.

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses support voice control, enabling you to interact with your phone's virtual assistant, like Siri or Google Assistant. You can send messages, set reminders, check the weather, or get directions, all hands-free, simply by speaking commands.

You can tell it to take a picture or capture video using the voice command or you can use the button on its right arm. Just press the button to take a picture. To capture a video, hold the button down, and press it again to stop recording.

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses feature dual 12-megapixel cameras, which capture photos at a resolution of 3024 x 4032 pixels and videos at 1440 x 1920 pixels. The cameras offer high-quality imagery, allowing for clear and detailed photos and videos directly from the glasses.

The quality is good enough. Here are some examples:

My use case for these glasses will be pretty straightforward. I'll mainly use them as regular sunglasses. When I don’t have my headphones with me or when wearing headphones isn’t practical, I’ll use the glasses as Bluetooth headphones. And occasionally, if I spot something interesting and don’t have time to grab my phone, I’ll use them to snap a picture or capture some video. Another way I'll use the glasses is to capture behind-the-scenes footage during my photo shoots. So what are your use cases?

SmallRig Cage and Handle

As I mentioned in my previous post, we cannot mount the handle to the cage directly. I think that is stupid. We need this extra part:

This one is: SMALLRIG Quick Release Safety Rail

Another option is to the SMALLRIG Universal Low-Profile Quick Release NATO Rail

However, even with this, the screw holes do not line up:

I have to use the holes on the right and this is the end result:

Not sure why they designed it this way but this the way I got it to work:

with the side handle:

Rigging the Sony A7cII

I recently took a big step in my creative journey by purchasing the Sony Alpha 7C II camera. This compact yet powerful full-frame camera is renowned for its impressive image quality, 4K video recording, and advanced autofocus capabilities. Eager to dive into video production, I’m excited to explore how this camera can elevate my work. In the coming weeks, I’ll share my experiences with the Alpha 7C II on the blog, including tips and insights on maximizing its potential.

In this post, I’ll discuss how to rig the A7CII to enhance its performance. Rigging your camera can offer several benefits:

Improved Stability: A well-rigged camera system helps reduce camera shake and vibrations, which is crucial for achieving steady shots, especially in dynamic or handheld filming situations.
Enhanced Ergonomics: Rigs often come with handles, shoulder pads, or grips that make it easier to maneuver and operate the camera for extended periods, reducing fatigue and improving comfort.
Customization and Versatility: Camera rigs can be customized with different accessories like microphones, lights, follow focus systems, and matte boxes. This versatility allows for more creative and technical control over your shots.
Better Control: Rigging allows for better control over the camera's position and movement. This is particularly useful for complex shots or when using large cameras that are hard to handle manually.

I'll be unboxing and reviewing the latest offerings from SmallRig.

Here are what I got:

Here is how the A7cii looks with the cage mounted:

Here is the bottom mounting screw:

To add extra stability and prevent the camera from shifting, tighten the M2.5 screw through the right shoulder strap hook hole of the camera:

To access the battery, you need to flip this latch:

and here is how it looks with the side handle attached:

I ran into problem when I tried to attach the top handle. The cage doesn't support the top handle out-of-the-box. That's stupid, SmallRig! What were you thinking? I will talk about the solution in the next post.

Results from a Shoot I did a Few months ago

They launch the site!

So happy to see my photos on their site. They were so easy to work with. Hopefully I will do another for them soon.

Go check out the rest of the pictures: https://amberuche.com/

Who is the Best On Demand Photography Service (according to ChatGPT)

It is difficult to determine the best on-demand photography service as it largely depends on individual needs and preferences. The best service for you may not be the same as for someone else.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing an on-demand photography service:

Type of photography: Different services specialize in different types of photography such as portrait, event, product, and virtual photography. Make sure the service you choose is experienced in the type of photography you need.
Location: Some on-demand photography services only serve certain geographic regions, so be sure to choose a service that is available in your area.
Price: On-demand photography services vary in price, so it's important to find a service that fits your budget.
Quality: Look for a service with a good reputation for delivering high-quality photos. Read online reviews and check the portfolio of photographers to get an idea of their work.
Convenience: Consider the level of convenience you need, such as the ability to book a photographer online, the availability of same-day service, and the option to do a virtual photo shoot.

Some popular on-demand photography services include Snappr, Ocus, and Flytographer. Consider the factors mentioned above and do some research to find the service that is the best fit for you.

Give me some more examples of these companies:

Sure, here are some examples of on-demand photography services:

Snappr: An online platform that connects clients with local photographers for in-person photo shoots, including event, portrait, and product photography.
Ocus: A virtual platform that connects clients with professional photographers for virtual photo shoots.
Flytographer: An online service that connects travelers with local photographers in cities around the world for vacation photo shoots.
Timefreeze: A platform that provides on-demand event photography services for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions.
Lensclear: A company that offers on-demand product photography services for e-commerce businesses.
The Roaming Lens: An on-demand travel photography service that provides clients with high-quality photos of their travels.

These are just a few examples of on-demand photography services. Depending on your specific needs, there may be other services that would be a better fit for you.

How is Ocus compared to Snappr (according to ChatGPT)

Ocus and Snappr are both companies that provide on-demand photography services, but they are not directly comparable as they offer different types of photography services and have different business models.

Ocus is a virtual platform that connects clients with professional photographers for virtual photo shoots, while Snappr is an online platform that connects clients with local photographers for in-person photo shoots. Ocus focuses on virtual and remote photography services, while Snappr offers a wider range of photography services, including event, portrait, and product photography.

In terms of pricing, Snappr typically has a lower cost per photo, but this can vary depending on the specific type of photo shoot and location. Ocus charges a flat fee for virtual photo shoots, which may be higher than Snappr's fees for in-person shoots, but the cost can be offset by the convenience of being able to do the shoot from the comfort of your own home.

Ultimately, the choice between Ocus and Snappr will depend on the specific needs of the client, including the type of photo shoot, location, budget, and desired level of convenience.

Is Snappr good for photographers (according to ChatGPT)

Snappr is a platform that connects photographers with clients for various photography needs. Whether or not Snappr is good for photographers depends on a variety of factors, including the photographer's experience, skill level, and personal preferences.

Here are some potential pros and cons of using Snappr:

Pros:

Access to a large pool of potential clients: Snappr provides photographers with an easy way to reach customers who are looking for photographers in their area.
Convenient booking and payment system: The platform handles all the logistics of booking and payment, freeing up the photographer to focus on their work.
Potential for steady work: For photographers who are consistently able to secure bookings through the platform, Snappr can be a good source of steady work.

Cons:

Competition: Snappr is a competitive platform, with many photographers vying for the same bookings. Some photographers may find it difficult to stand out from the crowd and secure bookings.
Low pricing: Some photographers may not be comfortable with the pricing model offered by Snappr, as it can be lower than what they might charge for the same services outside of the platform.
Lack of control: Photographers may not have as much control over the types of shoots they book or the clients they work with through the platform.

Ultimately, whether or not Snappr is a good fit for a particular photographer depends on their individual needs, goals, and preferences. If a photographer is looking for a steady stream of work and is comfortable with the platform's pricing model, it could be a good fit. On the other hand, if a photographer prefers to have more control over their work and pricing, they may prefer to find clients through other channels.

Does ChatGPT know photography?

Before AI takes over the world. Let's see if ChatGPT can take over this blog. I will be making a few posts generated by ChatGPT. Comment below to let me know what you think.

How to take good food pictures

Taking good food pictures can be a fun and creative way to showcase your cooking and share your food experiences with others. Here are some tips to help you take better food photos:

Lighting: Good lighting is crucial for taking great food photos. Natural light is usually the best, so try to take your photos near a window or outside on a bright day. If you don't have access to natural light, you can use artificial lights, such as studio lights or a lamp.
Composition: Pay attention to the composition of your photo. Try to create a balanced and visually appealing image by arranging the food in an interesting way. Consider the background and the colors of the elements in your photo to make sure they complement the food.
Angle: Experiment with different angles to find the one that works best for the dish you are photographing. For example, you might take a photo from above for a dish with a lot of toppings or from the side for a dish with layers.
Props: Consider adding props, such as plates, utensils, and napkins, to add visual interest and context to your photos. Make sure the props complement the food and don't detract from it.
Edit: Use editing software, such as Lightroom or Photoshop, to enhance the colors, brightness, and contrast of your photos. However, be careful not to over-edit your photos, as this can result in an unnatural and unappetizing look.

By following these tips, you can take better food pictures and share your culinary creations with the world.

Can you show me some example?

I'm sorry, but I am a text-based AI language model and do not have the capability to display images. However, you can easily find many examples of good food photography by searching online, on social media platforms like Instagram, or by looking at the work of professional food photographers. By examining these photos, you can get a better idea of the techniques and elements that contribute to making a good food photo, such as lighting, composition, angle, and use of props.

What to search?

If you're looking for examples of good food photography, you can search for terms like "food photography examples," "best food photography," "food photography inspiration," or "professional food photography." You can also search for specific types of food, such as "best dessert photography" or "best sushi photography."

You can find examples of food photography on various platforms, such as Instagram, Pinterest, or photography websites. You can also look at the work of professional food photographers and see how they use lighting, composition, angles, and other techniques to create appetizing and visually appealing photos.

By searching and examining a variety of food photography, you can gain inspiration and learn new techniques to help you take better food photos.

Who are the top food photographers?

There are many talented food photographers in the world, and it can be difficult to identify the absolute "top" photographers. However, here are a few names that are often mentioned in discussions of the best food photographers:

Dan Barber
Andrew Scrivani
Marcus Nilsson
Peden + Munk
Todd Porter and Diane Cu
Gentl and Hyers
Christina Tosi
Con Poulos
David Loftus
Helen Cheifetz

These photographers have established themselves as some of the best in the field, with a unique style and a talent for capturing the beauty and deliciousness of food. By examining their work, you can get a better idea of the techniques and elements that contribute to making great food photography. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other talented food photographers out there who are also worth exploring.

How to be a food photographer?

Becoming a food photographer requires a combination of technical skills, creativity, and passion for food and photography. Here are some steps you can follow to become a food photographer:

Develop your photography skills: Start by practicing your photography skills and learning about the basics of composition, lighting, and editing. Consider taking photography courses or workshops to improve your skills.
Build your portfolio: As you build your skills, start creating a portfolio of your food photography. Your portfolio is a key tool for showcasing your work and attracting clients, so be sure to select your best work and present it in a professional manner.
Study food photography: Study the work of other food photographers and learn about the techniques they use to create appetizing and visually appealing food photos. Consider reading books and articles about food photography, and experiment with different techniques to find your own style.
Network: Network with other food photographers, food industry professionals, and potential clients. Attend food photography events and workshops, and join photography groups to meet and connect with others in the field.
Start working: Once you have developed your skills and built a portfolio, start seeking out opportunities to work as a food photographer. You may start by working for food bloggers, restaurants, or food magazines, or by offering your services as a freelance photographer.

By following these steps and continuing to practice and develop your skills, you can become a successful food photographer. Keep in mind that success as a food photographer often takes time and patience, so be sure to stay focused and dedicated to your goal.

Pretty amazing. I will ask him/her/it more next time.

How long should I book the session and how many pictures will I get?

First thing first. It is about quality, not quantity. I cannot promise you that you will get X numbers of pictures after the session but I can promise you that you will get some nice pictures that you want to hang on your wall.

As for the duration of a session. I think 1 hour session maybe too short. In all my shoots, 100% of the time the baby made a fussy during the session. Then the parents would rush to the next outfit change, instead of spending some quiet time to calm the baby. That made the baby even more fussy. It is a downward spiral.

On the other hand, I think 3 hours is too long. Unless you have a large family and a long shoot list, you don't really need 3 hours. Everyone will be bored and tired after a couple hours of shooting.

Therefore, I think the optimal length for a session is 2 hours. It gives enough for a few outfit changes. Some quiet time to calm the baby when we need it. Time to feed the baby when he/shes gets fussy. For calm babies, I should be able to cover everything the parents want in 1.5 hours. For others, a 2-hour session give enough buffer and no one needs to rush. And of course, I will stay as long as I can to get the good pictures for you.

Pictures with the siblings

If you have more than one kid, you probably want to have some pictures of the baby with the brother(s)/sister(s).

The older the siblings, the easier to get them to cooperate. However, in a typical family, the siblings most likely are just 1 to 3 years older. 1 to 3 year-old kids are the most difficult subject to photograph. They are mobile. They are full of energy. And they don't listen to instruction. They want to do whatever they want, whenever they want.

Girls are a little easier than boys. You can dress them up and they will sit still for a few minutes.

But it still depends on their personality. As a parent, you should know them better than I do but I don't recommend the parents to force the kids to do what they don't want to do. No one will be happy afterward. If they don't want to do it, just move on. We wasted so much time trying to get this brother to pose with the baby. Unless you really want their picture together. Maybe it is better off to use the time for something else.

Not only being uncooperative, something they can be disruptive.

We ended up having dad to take the brother out for a car ride while I was doing the photo shoot with mom and baby. With a stroke of luck, they Facetime us to see if we were done and I got this cute family picture for them.

All the cute sibling pictures you see online, they just got lucky. My advice is: set your expectation properly. Expect the un-expected. Don't fixate on a particular pose or setup and just go with the flow. Trust me and I will help you create some beautiful images of your growing family.

How to enjoy your photos

After your photo session, I usually will deliver your images within a week. You will get a link to a password-protected gallery, which you can easily share with your friends and family.

You can then download the images on your computer and/or phone. You can use them as your background. However, I think the best way to enjoy the pictures everyday is to print them, frame them, and hang them on a wall. You can print the images on your own printers or at any lab but you can also order prints directly from the gallery. Just click "Buy Photo" at the lower right hang corner of the picture.

Next you will get this side bar:

You can order different types of prints. Browse around and see what you like. When you click "Paper Prints," you can order different sizes of the print.

My customers often ask me what size of print they should order. Here are the steps I take:

Decide which wall I want to hang the picture.
Look for a frame that may look good with the picture. I usually get my frames from IKEA. Their price is low and their frames look pretty good. You can also find some nice frame from Target. I usually buy frames locally because I can return them easily if they don't look good on my wall.
I get the frame and try it on the wall and see if the size of the frame looks good on that wall.
Then I order the size of the print that fit that frame.
Put the print on the frame, hang the frame, and enjoy.

Here is the choices of frames at IKEA.

For images that I love, I use custom framing. This can cost hundreds of dollars. However, I can have custom size and material. If you are going to hang the picture on a prime location, you may want to use a really nice frame but you can still use the above steps to figure out the size.

Another advantage with custom frame is you can use UV-protected glass. This is important if you are going to hang the picture on a wall that gets a lot of sun light.

Another nice option is to do a canvas print. Search around and you may find some discount, so you can try it out without spending a lot of money. I have gotten this print free from Canvas People.

Metal print is also a nice way to show off the picture and you can order from my site.

I have also gotten one before. It looks really nice but it can be very expensive.

There are so many options to display your pictures. Experience them and see what you like. If you want to order print from your gallery and if you don't see the "Buy Photos," just let me know.

Info on newborn photo session

Here is a list of blog posts that give you more info on my newborn photo session and my approach to it:

We can discuss what you expect after you get some ideas. Just contact me.

Magic moment

This picture is by Lola Melani. I have multiple clients wanted the same pose. However, I told my clients that I can put them in that pose but we may not be able to get the same "feel." The picture captured the "moment" between those two couple and we may not be able to capture the same. We can try but we need to go with the "flow."

So I would start my clients with the similar pose and then I let the magic happen. Here is an example on how I like to let it "flow" and let the pose "evolve."

So my advice is: don't fixate on a particular pose. Just let it evolve and watch for the magic moment(s). Keep moving and shifting. We may not be able to have picture with that exact pose but we will have good pictures of that magic moment.